Question
Our defenbachia plant is slowly losing the bottom leaves as new leaves are added to the top of the plant.  Is this a normal phenomenon?

Answer
Selma,

Yes, this is normal.  Eventually you will want to cut the top off and apply rooting hormone to the cut then insert it in a new pot of soil and it will grow roots and start a new plant. Or you can even put it in the soil beside the old base. The old base will grow a new top and you will have an even bushier plant. Or if you put it in a separate pot you will have a plant for a friend and your old plant will grow a new top. Only do this process between April 1st and July 1st. It is more successful then. Good luck.

Darlene